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    Need to run install CD but drive not working

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by blindape, Mar 9, 2009.

  1. blindape

    blindape Newbie

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    Hi I have an Acer Aspire 3000 series laptop which has just recently broke down. When I turn it on it starts to boot

    up but very soon gets the error..."Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
    \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM"

    My only option is to shut down or re-start the computer. I've tried running it in safe mode but this and most

    recent sucessful restore point but I still get the same error.

    The advice that is given when the error comes up is to put the install disk into the cd drive and try to restore it

    from there, I however have a problem. The CD drive doesn't work. when a cd is placed into the drive you can hear

    it start to wind up but it always seems to stumble, the CD drive tries to start again a few times before giving up.

    Is there possibly something easily fixable in the CD drive that I can do myself or an alternative method to get into

    the system and repair the above file. The resources I have available are a usb flash drive, the use of a usb

    harddrive and the use of another laptop.

    NOTE: purchasing any new hardware is not an option at present.

    I appreciate any help given.

    Regards,

    John Curwood
     
    blindape, Mar 9, 2009
    #1
  2. Baserk

    Baserk Notebook user

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    Are you sure that your CD drive is wrecked?
    Maybe the Windows install CD is damaged or the CD lens is covered with dust?
    If the CD lens is a tad dusty, you might be able to clean it by spraying some compressed air into it.

    If you can burn a Linux distro to CD, you'd be able to check whether the CD drive is actually borked.
    PenDriveLinux is the place to go for learning how to install a linux distro onto an USB stick.
    Cheers and good luck.
     
    Baserk, Mar 9, 2009
    #2